The sky was overcast, the temperature was cool, and the leaves were at their peak color in Bigelow Hollow State Park when the gun went off to start the first annual “Strides For Scholars” 5K. The course began on Bigelow Pond Rd for a half a mile before veering off road on trails that led to Breakneck Pond where they turned around and returned to the finish line. In all, 130 runners and walkers took on the challenge.
Having a huge presence at the race were many members of the 169 Society, whose mission is the run a timed road race in each of Connecticut’s 169 towns. Member Tom Walsh hit his 100th town and, as is the custom, ran in the traditional tutu.
Awards
The overall winner for the men was Bruce Christensen and for the women, Hildie Heck. Rounding out the top three for the men were John Minervino and Ken Clark. For the women, it was Laura Rutkowski and Katie Ouelette. Click here for Race Results and Awards.
Union School Association Scholarship Foundation
This event was put on by the Union School Association Scholarship Foundation as a way to gain some visibility and to help fund their annual scholarship to selected Union School graduates. Several dozen of their members attended to volunteer or to run or both. See more information on the Scholarship Foundation here.
Photos
Check out photos from the event on the First Mile Flickr page.
After the race, people hung around for post-race snacks, fellowship, and to talk
about next year.
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